Justin Hemmes to celebrate 48th birthday with model girlfriend
Billionaire Justin Hemmes says it’s the “simple things” that matter in life, not money, as he turned 48. The bar tsar will celebrate the milestone in style — with his 24-year-old model girlfriend and a handful of their friends.
Confidential
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Billionaires — ya gotta love ’em.
Who else would reflect on the importance of things money can’t buy than Sydney’s most famous mega-squillionaire Justin Hemmes, who marked his 48th birthday on Thursday.
When asked the secret to his happiness, Hemmes — whose precise fortune was recently estimated at $1.05 billion according to The Australian 250 Rich List — said it wasn’t money that brought him the most joy.
“I think it’s just about working hard, staying positive and enjoying the simple things,” Hemmes told Confidential during a celebratory lunch at one of the restaurants in his stable, Bert’s at Newport, on Friday.
“I really don’t think you need money to be happy. It’s not everything. For me, I think working hard, getting lots of exercise and keeping the mind active is what is most important.”
There could, however, be another reason Hemmes is feeling so cheery.
The divorced dad-of-two is set to board his private Bombardier Challenger on Saturday morning for a weekend of birthday festivities with a select group of pals — among them his current main squeeze, 24-year-old model Madeline Holtznagel.
It’s understood Holtznagel has made a steady rise to the top of the pecking order in the playboy’s inner circle, succeeding fellow model Montana Cox, who is currently isolating on the Amalfi Coast and set to miss out on the party.
Holtznagel, the younger sister of former Australia’s Next Top Model finalist Simone Holtznagel, has spent a large chunk of quarantine time holed up at Hemmes’ harbourside mansion The Hermitage.
She is also a frequent guest at his Berrara property and was last seen soaking up the sun there in January.
“We hang out a bit,” Hemmes laughed when asked about his stunning new companion.
“But I wouldn’t call this weekend a party. I’m just having a barbecue with a few mates. We’re only allowed 20 people so we can’t get up to too much.”
It’s understood a number of Holtznagel’s equally fashionable pals will also be aboard the Hemmes jet today, including models Indiana Thew and Tarni McGovern.